Announcements come in thick and fast for live music events in London, and the powers that be have decreed that we need more space for acts to play. As such, a new venue will be with us next year, blessing the west of the capital with a 3,800-capacity space to catch live concerts.
It was revealed today (November 20) by AEG Presents UK, those behind the likes of All Points East & Hyde Park BSTthat the new venue would be named British Airways ARC and be situated above the West Exhibition Hall at Olympia, London in Kensington.
There is no word just yet on when the British Airways ARC will open, but according to a press release today, it will arrive at some point in 2026, with the first events booked there set to be announced soon. Once the first acts hit the stage, they’ll join a historic list of names that have performed at the Olympia’s surrounding space over the years, which includes Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Cureand many more.
As you’ll have noticed, BA are the name partner of the venue, just as they will be for the accompanying, 1,575-seater theatre, named the British Airways Theatre, which is set to open up in 2027. Alongside the two new venue spaces will be multiple new bars & restaurants, two hotels, and office space, which is all part of the £1.3 billion redevelopment.
Speaking on the news, AEG Presents Europe’s Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Spencer, said: “Continuing to grow the AEG Presents venue portfolio is a pivotal moment as we reveal the name of British Airways ARC. We’re so delighted to be working with British Airways and as we take this next step towards opening all the teams are very excited. Olympia is a place that has an incredible musical history which we want to honour whilst creating a venue that is thoroughly modern and with world class facilities for artists and fans alike.”
British Airways ARC is set to open at Olympia, London next year.
